Cyprus-vetch (Lathyrus ochrus, J.B.A.M.de Lamarck & A.P.de Candolle, Fl. Franç., ed. 3, 4: 578 (1805))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) DC.

Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck & A.P.de Candolle, Fl. Franç., ed. 3, 4: 578 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lathyrus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

Cyprus-vetch, known scientifically as Lathyrus ochrus, belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant was first described and classified by J.B.A.M. de Lamarck and later detailed in the third edition of “Flore Française” by A.P. de Candolle in 1805. Its botanical authorship is abbreviated as (L.) DC., acknowledging its initial classification by Carl Linnaeus and subsequent work by de Candolle.

The Cyprus-vetch is native to the Mediterranean region, thriving in its unique climate. This plant, like other members of the Fabaceae family, is important in natural and agricultural ecosystems due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, thereby enriching soil fertility. Its growth habit and ecological role make it a valuable species both in natural habitats and as a potential cover crop in sustainable agriculture practices.

Characteristic of the Fabaceae family, the Cyprus-vetch produces flowers typically arranged in clusters, which eventually give way to pods containing seeds. These features not only contribute to soil improvement but also provide a habitat and food source for various pollinators and wildlife.

In understanding the significance of Lathyrus ochrus, it is essential to consider both its botanical characteristics and ecological roles. The plant’s presence in the Mediterranean basin highlights its adaptation to the specific environmental conditions found in that region, such as dry summers and wet winters.

Overall, the Cyprus-vetch is a noteworthy species in botanical studies due to its distinctive traits and valuable contributions to the ecosystem. Whether studied for its agricultural potential or its ecological interactions, Lathyrus ochrus remains a significant subject in the field of botany.

Common Names

Eng: cyprus-vetch, alverjana, ochrus-vetch, tapisote, winged vetchling, cyprus vetch, ochrus chickling, ochrus vetch
Deu: eselsohren, scheidige platterbse
Dan: vingefrugtet fladbælg
Spa: alverjana, chícharo-preto, ervilha-dos-campos, ervilhaca-bastarda, ervilhaca-dos-campos, tapisote
Por: ervilha-dos-campos, chicharão-preto, ervilhaca-bastarda
Fra: gesse ochre, gesse ocre
Ces: hrachor žlutoplodý
Swe: skaftvial
Cat: tapissot
Hrv: žuckastobijela graholika
En: Cyprus-vetch, Ochrus-vetch, Winged vetchling, Alverjana, Tapisote, Cyprus Vetch, Ochrus Chickling, Ochrus Vetch
Ar: جلبان أصفر
Ca: Favull, Tapissot, Tapissot ver
Hr: Žuckastobijela Graholika
Cs: Hrachor žlutoplodý
Da: Vingefrugtet fladbælg
Fi: Kyproksennätkelmä
Fr: Gesse ochre, Gesse ocre, Moret d’Espagne
De: Scheidige Platterbse, Eselsohren, Eselsohr, Flügel-Platterbse, Gelbe Erbse, Ockerplatterbse
He: טופח גדול
It: Cicerchia pisellina
Pt: Ervilha-dos-campos, Chicharão-preto, Ervilhaca-Bastarda
Pt-br: Ervilhaca-bastarda, Ervilhaca-dos-campos, Chicharão-preto
Es: Alverjana, Tapisote, Chícharo-preto, Ervilha-dos-campos, Ervilhaca-bastarda, Ervilhaca-dos-campos, Alverjana loca
Sv: Skaftvial

Synonyms

• Pisum ochrus (L.)
• Pisum decurrens (Stokes)
• Orobus ochrus ((L.) A.Braun)
• Lathyrus currentifolius (Lam.)
• Lathyrus ochrus var. ochroides (Chabert)
• Ochrus lathyroides (Medik.)
• Clymenum ochrus ((L.) Link)
• Lathyrus ochrus var. petiolaris (Rouy)
• Ochrus uniflora (Moench)
• Lathyrus thirkaenus (K.Koch)
• Ochrus pallida (Pers.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Iraq (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Mar 31, 2019 by L M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Guy MOLL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Ricardo Lemaur (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2021 by Langa Sanz Eloísa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2020 by Karim BOUDANI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Ania Sanches (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 19, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Lyse Lrmg (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Apr 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356441)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:501908-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lathyrus ochrus (L.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 7